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- "Ohhh... Oh, I really need to stop daydreaming...!"
- ― Thomas after derailing
Trusty Trunky is a magazine story illustrated using images from the television series. Originally published in 2019, it was republished in 2025 as part of the "Classic Thomas Story Collection" series with alterations to the images and text.
Plot[]
It is Thomas' first day working on the Indian Railway. As he leaves the station, he meets his old friend Ashima and remarks that it is the busiest station he has ever seen. Just then, Thomas gets a big surprise when he spots an elephant crossing the tracks. Ashima explains that elephants used to help shunt cars when the engines were busy. Thomas is amazed.
As he travels through India, Thomas sees wonderful new things like beautiful palaces, monuments and spectacular bridges crossing vast valleys. Presently, Thomas pulls alongside Ashima who has stopped in front of a sleeping cow. Ashima explains that cows are very special to many people in India and if a cow wants to sleep, they let it.
While daydreaming about everything he has seen in India, Thomas misses a red signal. He applies his brakes, but he goes over the points and derails into a muddy paddy field. Thomas is stuck and wondering how he's going to get back onto the rails again when he hears heavy footsteps approaching. It's an elephant! The elephant starts pushing Thomas back onto the rails. When he has finished, Thomas gratefully thanks the elephant. Ashima arrives and tells Thomas that the elephant is called Trusty Trunky. The elephant treats Thomas to a wash by spraying him all over with water. Once again, Thomas thanks his very clever elephant friend.
Characters[]
2019[]
- Thomas
- Ashima
- Rajiv (cameo)
- The Maroon Tank Engine (cameo)
2025[]
- Thomas
- Ashima
- Shankar (cameo)
- Rajiv (cameo)
- The Indian Breakdown Cranes (cameos)
Trivia[]
- This story is based on the twenty-second series episode the same name.
- Some of the express coaches at Varkala Railway Station are painted a different colour to the ones featured in the episode.
- In the 2025 version, Ashima refers to trucks as "cars" which is the American term.
Gallery[]
2019[]
2025[]
